1. Take classes that actually interest you.– Believe it or not, study abroad does involve studying. The classes you take have an amazing way of rounding out your cultural experience. Don’t choose classes that simply seem the easiest, but choose the classes that seem most interesting to you.
2. Travel. Travel. Travel.—Your professors aren’t naïve; they know the real reason you came abroad was to see the world! Your best experiences, most Instagram-worthy pics, and favorite memories will all come from traveling, so do it as often as you can!
3. Don’t get stuck in a routine.—After a while, it becomes easy to go to class and come home, and naps become more and more tempting. However, make an effort each day to see your host city. Try a new restaurant, explore a new piazza, or find yourself in a new shopping district.
4. Record your memories.—Whether it’s through taking pictures or writing down your thoughts in a blog or journal, recording your memories is so important. Your semester abroad will span some of the best months of your life, and I promise, it’s something you’ll want to cherish forever.
5. Try weird foods.—While you’re in Europe, I can guarantee you’re around foods very different than the ones you might be used to in the States. This gives you the perfect opportunity to find your new favorite dishes and rule out the ones you never want to set your taste buds on again.   
6. Do something that terrifies you.—Go skydiving, climb through a canyon, or jump off a cliff. These things and many more will push you out of your comfort zone, make you face your fears, and help you realize that you’re capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for.
7. Become friends with the locals.—Finding local friends will help you master the language and give you a unique look into the real life of the local culture. Plus, I can bet they are great cooks!
8. Get lost.—The best advice I received from my program director was, “Don’t be afraid to get lost once in awhile.” The best way to discover your study abroad city is to wander. Find time each week to wander around. From this you’ll quickly learn the city, as well as really proving yourself a true local.